Co-existence: What Does It Really Mean?

Immersion in nature enhances our physical and mental well-being, but what does our presence do in raising the stress levels of non-humans living there?

INSPIRE OTHERS AND SHARE

A Question for the Moment

Why do we often act so surprised when we encounter animals on a backcountry trail? 

It’s a little like having people we don’t know suddenly barging through our font door into the kitchen where we and family members are peacefully dining—and them, holding cans of bear spray or sidearms in their hands, being surprised by our presence. 

When we’re recreating, we are entering the finite homes of wildlife, which have far fewer options for survival than we do. They’re in the habitat they depend on—by necessity. Our desire to have fun should not supersede their need to be undisturbed.

One more thing to remember: if we have our dogs with us, off leash, the level of disruption and displacement is even worse. Today, many of the federal land management agencies already treat front country areas as sacrifice zones allowing human users to dominate. Increasingly, some backcountry areas are beginning to resemble the busy front country.

When we use the word co-existence, what does it really mean, in terms of benefitting whom at the expense of what?

Subscribe
To Our
Newsletter

Featured Stories

From wolverines and river otters to black-footed ferrets and badgers, this amazing family of species is well represented on Helen Seay's outdoor wildlife mural in Jackson, Wyoming. No mere fashion statements, many face an uncertain future
Already, bear jams are happening along Togwotee Pass east of Grand Teton National Park. To keep griz and people safe, officials issue advisory as death of Grizzly 399 last autumn still looms large
As Greater Yellowstone contemplates the future and ponders how it can protect its special sense of place, Big Sky represents sprawl's unwanted poster child. A story about why better ecologically-minded planning matters in Greater Yellowstone

Subscribe
To Our
Newsletter